Commune by the Great Wall

This conclave of luxury villas represents the collective vision of a dozen contemporary Asian architects, reportedly banking a million dollars each to imagine their dream living space beside the Great Wall.

This conclave of luxury villas represents the collective vision of a dozen contemporary Asian architects, reportedly banking a million dollars each to imagine their dream living space beside the Great Wall. Each villa has a personality to reflect its design: "Bamboo Wall" is Japanese in form and function with futon-style beds and a tea room boasting views of a distant beacon tower, whilst "Forest House" is a good all-rounder – roomy and comfortable in a woodland setting. Though a must for those with an interest in modern architecture, the interiors, now several years old, are overdue some attention. From The Commune it's a 20-minute slog to a ramshackle stretch of Wall the hotel claims stewardship over. If you're content to gaze from afar, be sure to request a room with a view in advance.